Wednesday afternoon, the hallway between classes was packed with noisy students messing around. Lin Chen leaned casually against the railing, going over his math error notebook, when a sudden slap landed on his shoulder from behind.
He turned around—Chen Hao.
The two of them had grown up in the same old neighborhood, used to be inseparable, playing games and doing homework together. But lately, Chen Hao had been hanging out with Zhao Kai every day. Their friendship had faded into a distant memory.
"Bro, don't bury yourself in that mistake book all the time!" Chen Hao draped an arm around his shoulder, forcing a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. His gaze flickered nervously toward the back door of the classroom. "Weekend, let's hit up the internet café and relax a little. Been ages since we teamed up for a game."
Lin Chen's sharp eyes caught the details immediately—on Chen Hao's gray school uniform sleeve were faint brownish cigarette ash stains, and a whiff of smoke clung to him. Lin Chen remembered: Chen Hao's mom was strict as hell. Back then he wouldn't even accept a cigarette Zhao Kai offered. And now? Not only reeking of smoke, but it was Zhao Kai's usual brand—Marlboro.
"Internet café?" Lin Chen tapped the railing with a finger, feigning confusion. "Didn't you say your mom would skin you alive if she caught you there?"
Chen Hao froze for half a second, then quickly forced a laugh. "C'mon, the monthly exam's over. I talked her into giving me a half-day to blow off steam. It's been forever since we played—just catching up, that's all." He patted Lin Chen's shoulder harder, trying to look casual, but his jittery eyes betrayed him. Another quick glance toward the back door—and sure enough, Zhao Kai was leaning against the frame, shooting him a meaningful look.
Lin Chen put it all together instantly. No doubt Chen Hao had been pushed into this. That invitation was way too fishy. But instead of refusing, Lin Chen nodded calmly. "Sure. Saturday, 2 p.m. Where should we meet?" He wanted to see exactly what Zhao Kai had planned.
Chen Hao clearly hadn't expected him to agree so easily. He blinked before stammering, "Uh… 'Speed Net Café' near school. I'll wait outside for you." Then, as if escaping, he bolted straight toward the back door—right into Zhao Kai. The two huddled close, whispering, Zhao Kai's lips twisting into a crooked smirk as his eyes slid toward Lin Chen.
On the walk home after school, Lin Chen was still mulling over his strategy when someone tugged lightly at the hem of his shirt. He turned to see Su Wanqing, her pink backpack slung over her shoulders, brows knitted tight with worry.
"Lin Chen, what did Chen Hao just say to you? I saw Zhao Kai whispering to him and sneaking glances at you."
Lin Chen stopped and explained the "internet café invite."
Su Wanqing's fingers clenched hard at his sleeve, her voice tight with alarm. "Don't go! Yesterday after school, I saw Zhao Kai hand Chen Hao a little box and pat him on the back. They laughed like it was some big secret. Chen Hao's been glued to Zhao Kai lately—he's definitely been influenced. This 'invite' has trap written all over it!"
Seeing her anxious face filled Lin Chen with warmth. He gently patted her hand. "Don't worry. I know Zhao Kai's up to no good. I only agreed because I want to see what trick they're trying to pull. I can't always stay on the defensive, can I?"
"But…" Her eyes turned red-rimmed with worry. "Zhao Kai's vicious. If he gangs up with Chen Hao against you, what if something happens? Can't you just back out? Tell them your mom's making you go to tutoring instead."
Lin Chen smiled, brushing a windblown strand of hair from her forehead. "Relax. I'll be careful. Chen Hao's still my childhood friend. Even if Zhao Kai's pushed him into this, he wouldn't go so far as to really hurt me. Besides, I need to know why he's suddenly hanging out with Zhao Kai. He used to hate bullies like him the most."
Her lips pressed tight, but she could see his resolve. With a heavy sigh, she nodded, voice full of reminders. "Then promise me—be careful! Don't drink anything they give you, don't touch anything suspicious. If something feels off, call me immediately, I'll keep my phone on 24/7. And if they get violent, don't fight back. Just run!"
Her nagging made Lin Chen's chest swell with emotion. He nodded seriously. "I'll remember every word. Once it's over, I'll call you right away."
Only then did she release his sleeve, murmuring, "Okay… be safe on the way home. I'm heading back first." She took a few steps, then turned to look back at him one last time, worry still written all over her eyes.
Lin Chen watched until she disappeared at the end of the lane before heading home. He knew—this trip to the internet café was going to be a battle.
Meanwhile, Chen Hao sat stiffly on Zhao Kai's living room sofa, clutching an unopened USB drive in his sweaty palm.
Zhao Kai flicked a cigarette toward him with a grin. "Relax. All you have to do is bring Lin Chen to the café. While he's distracted, plug this into his computer. This drive's got… 'content.' When the time comes, we'll let the whole school see it. Let's see how he dares to get close to Su Wanqing after that!"
Chen Hao's fingers trembled on the USB. His voice shook. "Kai, isn't this too much? Lin Chen's been my buddy since we were kids."
Zhao Kai's grin vanished, his face hard as steel as he stabbed the cigarette into the ashtray. "Too much? Was it too much when he stole your spotlight? When he got close to Su Wanqing while you stood in the dust? You back out now, don't bother hanging with me again. You'll be nothing at this school."
Chen Hao stared at Zhao Kai's cold, threatening eyes, torn to shreds inside. On one side, his childhood friend. On the other, Zhao Kai's "protection." At last, he gritted his teeth and shoved the USB into his pocket. "Fine. I'll do it."
Zhao Kai's grin returned, his hand slapping Chen Hao's shoulder. "That's more like it! Once it's done, I'll treat you to a feast!"
Chen Hao forced a weak laugh, but his chest felt like it carried a boulder. He didn't know that this decision would shatter his friendship with Lin Chen forever.